01 December 2023 , 15:34
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Police have issued a warning after two women charged at by "aggressive" cows were left in hospital.
Officers said the cows recently had calves, making them suspicious of passing walkers and dogs.
The attack took place in the village of Yoxall, Staffordshire on Friday November 24 - and is only the latest in a string of similar cattle-related encounters across the UK this year.
Despite the two injured women having their dogs on a lead at all times, the cows charged at them, reports Stoke on Trent Live, resulting in them needing hospital treatment.
Neither of the women's injuries are believed to be life-threatening, Staffordshire Policesaid - but the force commented the attack serves as an important reminder for people to take care around livestock. PC Shonei Procter, who dealt with the incident, said: "It can be common for cows and livestock who have recently given birth to become aggressive and reactive to people and animals nearby, which can put people at risk of serious harm. Dogs should be kept on a lead and under control at all times when near livestock, and where possible, people should avoid taking routes which go through fields with animals inside."
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In September, a man was airlifted to hospital after he and two women were attacked by a herd of cows at a remote beauty spot. The 56-year-old man and two women were trampled by a herd of cows at Traigh Eais beach on Barra, in Scotland. The alarm was raised at around 8pm on Saturday when Police, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Barra Coastguard Rescue Team sped to their aid.
Cow attacks can also be fatal. A total of 109 people have died in incidents involving cattle in the UK over the last 21 years, according to an analysis of Health and Safety Executive data by the Cattle on Walkers Safety (COWS) group. One in five deaths were members of the public, with the rest of the fatalities involving farm workers. COWS campaigner Mr Clarke believes the number of near-misses could be in the thousands.